I don't know about you, but I'm addicted to gift guides. I love nothing more than reading a list of carefully curated products that are awesome enough to gift others but also practical enough to gift myself. I'm just looking at it from all perspectives, okay?! My 2019 guide is a bit smaller than last year, but I promise that I've used and loved every item listed. Nothing here is sponsored! But there are affiliate links that are of no cost to you. Let's get into it, shall we?
1. The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
This is one of the most entertaining books I've read in a long time. It's like Clue meets Shutter Island meets Agatha Christie meets Cabin in the Woods. Sounds intense and weird? That's about right. It's the perfect holiday break read, so this gift can immediately go into good use.
2. From the Page Vanilla & Coffee Candle
I appreciate the cute bookish label on this deliciously scented candle. Sometimes I just open the lid and take a huge whiff of aromatic coffee mixed with a hint of vanilla. Not an artificial vanilla, an actual depth of flavor vanilla. Yuuuum.
3. Frienda Rolling Ball Pens
When I say these don't smudge, I mean they DO! NOT! SMUDGE! Left-hander approved. Highlighter tested. And the ink flows smoothly like a high-end gel pen would (but without the high cost). They're officially my new favorite.
4. Koi Pocket Field Sketch Watercolor Set, 24
This is my go-to watercolor paints. Period. I strictly use this set because 1) it's fantastic quality, 2) it's compact enough for travel or easy cleanup, and 3) it's super affordable! I recommend it for novices and experienced artists alike.
5. Strathmore Watercolor Postcards
Anything small and minimal makes me happy. These cards are just that and also very durable! They can handle a lot of water for postcard-sized paper. Plus, I think finished pieces on postcards make for incredible gifts. A gift that keeps giving, yes?
6. Popbabies Portable Blender
This went semi-viral on my Instagram over the summer. Yes! It's a portable blender! Not a small blender that you keep at home and the top detaches into a bottle. The blender is literally PART OF THE BOTTLE. It's the perfect tool for busy people who want fresh (not refrigerated the day before) smoothies and can make it while at work or anywhere, really!
7. Veggie & Fruit To-Go Cup
This is a beautiful to-go cup. That was my impulse thought when buying this. But it's also so practical! I realized that I won't eat much fruit or veggies unless it's prepared beforehand. With this cup, I can do just that. Pack it to go and the strainer tool inside allows for washing produce on the go!
8. Bentoheaven Bento Box Bundle
If you work outside of home, you need bento boxes! Not only are they cute for packing lunches, but they're also designed to use the most out of a small space. This bundle comes with two boxes, utensils, a band to keep everything together, AND a drawstring bag. You need nothing more for a perfect work lunch!
9. Left Center Right Dice Game
Seriously, just get this game. It's cheap, it's fun as heck, and you're going to be the coolest person at any party! All you need to know about this game is that you roll the dice and move either left, center, or right. It's so simple, you can be wasted and play successfully. Let the fun ensue.
10. Arctic Fox Hair Dye
I've been using this dye on dark brown hair and it still shows pigment! Do you understand how amazing that is?! It's also vegan and built with conditioners, so it's safe for the earth and your hair. No bleach, no damage. It's great for having fun with hair!
11. Himawari 14.9" Backpack
This backpack is super affordable and one of the best quality bags I own. And the pockets! So. Many. Pockets. You really can't have enough, am I right? It's also really cute. Personally, I think it compares to some of the higher-end brands that look nearly the same but cost 3x more. But who wants to spend more money if you can get something similar for less?
Friends, this was a ton of fun! I hope you like my little list and that something here will soon become a gift for a loved one (or yourself let's be honest). Happy holidays and happy gifting!
You asked. And I am here to provide some spook!
Horror movies are my thing. I watch them every week, now daily since October began. Some new, some old, some habitually replayed. And I want to share the breadth of my horror movie knowledge so you can have a fantastically spooky Halloween season!
Because I've seen so many over my lifetime, this post is going to be a list. That's it. I have far too many titles to share and I'd probably make your browser crash with the length of it if I rambled about each one (but you can totally ask about any if you want!).
I suggest bookmarking this list to keep track. I'll actually update it as I watch and discover new favorites, so keep your eyes on that!
Below is my giant list of recommendations with sub-genre categories. If you're into psychological thrillers or slashers, you can find your pick easily. I'm also going to add in "cheese alerts" - you'll see what I mean, read on. Heck, I'll even throw in some bold titles to let you know I favor those in particular.
Don't come at me: Disclaimer! Every genre has bad movies! Horror can especially have some. Not every title on this list is a cinematic masterpiece with A+ performances. Some listed are cheesy, but I still enjoy them as a horror fan. And I'm not listing every movie I've ever seen, it's just the ones I like. (additional disclaimer: there are no vampire horrors here. I don't like vampire horrors. DON'T COME AT ME.)
The Others
The Conjuring Series
Poltergeist
The Exorcist
Blair Witch Project
The Devil's Backbone
Drag Me to Hell
The Witch
The Babadook
The Sixth Sense
Insidious Series
The Haunting of Connecticut
Oculus (semi-cheese)
The Last Exorcism
Mama
Dark Water (cheese)
Pet Sematary
Annabelle Series (very cheese)
Final Destination Series (cheese)
The Ruins
Veronica
One Missed Call (very cheese)
The Ritual
Pan's Labyrinth
La Llorona (cheese)
Sinister
The Happening (very cheese)
The Fourth Kind
Alien Abduction (cheese)
The Amityville Horror
1408
The Innkeepers
6 Souls (cheese)
Unfriended
The Reaping
Hell House LLC (very cheese)
Resolution
The Endless
Paranormal Activity Series (I recommend 1-3)
The Orphanage
Misery
Creep
IT
Carrie
Cabin in the Woods
Hereditary
Get Out
Gerald's Game
1922
Us
American Psycho
The Orphan (cheese)
The Uninvited/The Tale of Two Sisters
Unsane
The Visit
Horror movies are my thing. I watch them every week, now daily since October began. Some new, some old, some habitually replayed. And I want to share the breadth of my horror movie knowledge so you can have a fantastically spooky Halloween season!
Because I've seen so many over my lifetime, this post is going to be a list. That's it. I have far too many titles to share and I'd probably make your browser crash with the length of it if I rambled about each one (but you can totally ask about any if you want!).
I suggest bookmarking this list to keep track. I'll actually update it as I watch and discover new favorites, so keep your eyes on that!
Below is my giant list of recommendations with sub-genre categories. If you're into psychological thrillers or slashers, you can find your pick easily. I'm also going to add in "cheese alerts" - you'll see what I mean, read on. Heck, I'll even throw in some bold titles to let you know I favor those in particular.
Don't come at me: Disclaimer! Every genre has bad movies! Horror can especially have some. Not every title on this list is a cinematic masterpiece with A+ performances. Some listed are cheesy, but I still enjoy them as a horror fan. And I'm not listing every movie I've ever seen, it's just the ones I like. (additional disclaimer: there are no vampire horrors here. I don't like vampire horrors. DON'T COME AT ME.)
The Conjuring Series
Poltergeist
The Exorcist
Blair Witch Project
The Devil's Backbone
Drag Me to Hell
The Witch
The Babadook
The Sixth Sense
Insidious Series
The Haunting of Connecticut
Oculus (semi-cheese)
The Last Exorcism
Mama
Dark Water (cheese)
Pet Sematary
Annabelle Series (very cheese)
Final Destination Series (cheese)
The Ruins
Veronica
One Missed Call (very cheese)
The Ritual
Pan's Labyrinth
La Llorona (cheese)
Sinister
The Happening (very cheese)
The Fourth Kind
Alien Abduction (cheese)
The Amityville Horror
1408
The Innkeepers
6 Souls (cheese)
Unfriended
The Reaping
Hell House LLC (very cheese)
Resolution
The Endless
Paranormal Activity Series (I recommend 1-3)
Misery
Creep
IT
Carrie
Cabin in the Woods
Hereditary
Get Out
Gerald's Game
1922
Us
American Psycho
The Orphan (cheese)
The Uninvited/The Tale of Two Sisters
Unsane
The Visit
The Invitation
Children of the Corn
The Nightmare on Elm Street
New Nightmare
You're Next
Scream Series (this series [excluding movie 4] is my life!!!)
The Shining
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Don't Breathe
Halloween
Evil Dead
Silence of the Lambs
Psycho
Saw Series
The Strangers
Prom Night
When a Stranger Calls (cheese)
Happy Death Day
Cabin Fever
My Bloody Valentine (very cheese)
Vacancy
The Collector
I Know What you Did Last Summer
I Am Not a Serial Killer
The Clovehitch Killer
Summer of 1984
My Friend Dahmer
The Den
Friday the 13th
A Perfect Getaway
Hush
Better Watch Out (purposeful cheese)
Castle Rock
The Haunting of Hill House
Dark Places
Channel Zero (semi-cheese)
Supernatural (semi-cheese)
American Horror Story (I can only recommend seasons 1-3)
Stranger Things
Twin Peaks
Masters of Horror
The Twilight Zone
Horror Noir
Dark
Mindhunter
There's a lot to choose from. I get if you don't want to look up every title, so I encourage you to leave a comment below on anything you're interested in! I will respond with quick summaries and honest reviews on anything mentioned above. I seriously LOVE talking horror, let's chat! If I missed your favorite, tell me so I can add it. And of course, let me know which you're most excited about watching. Happy spooky viewing!
Hellraiser (so much cheese)
CandymanThe Nightmare on Elm Street
New Nightmare
You're Next
Scream Series (this series [excluding movie 4] is my life!!!)
The Shining
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Don't Breathe
Halloween
Evil Dead
Silence of the Lambs
Psycho
Saw Series
The Strangers
Prom Night
When a Stranger Calls (cheese)
Happy Death Day
Cabin Fever
My Bloody Valentine (very cheese)
Vacancy
The Collector
I Know What you Did Last Summer
I Am Not a Serial Killer
The Clovehitch Killer
Summer of 1984
My Friend Dahmer
The Den
Friday the 13th
A Perfect Getaway
Hush
Better Watch Out (purposeful cheese)
House of the Devil
The Mist
Pontypool
REC
28 Days Later
Dawn of the Dead
Train to Busan
10 Cloverfield Lane
Night of the Living Dead
A Quiet Place
30 Days of Night (okay fine, there's ONE vampire horror)
The Crazies
It Comes at Night
Quarantine
Splinter (semi-cheese)
The Fog
Critters
Gremlins
Jaws
Zombieland
Shaun of the Dead
Jeepers Creepers
Adam's Family
Beetlejuice
Edward Scissorhands
You Might Be the Killer
Krampus
Pontypool
REC
28 Days Later
Dawn of the Dead
Train to Busan
10 Cloverfield Lane
Night of the Living Dead
A Quiet Place
30 Days of Night (okay fine, there's ONE vampire horror)
The Crazies
It Comes at Night
Quarantine
Splinter (semi-cheese)
The Fog
(all monster movies have elements of cheese)
TremorsCritters
Gremlins
Jaws
Shaun of the Dead
Jeepers Creepers
Adam's Family
Beetlejuice
Edward Scissorhands
You Might Be the Killer
Krampus
The Haunting of Hill House
Dark Places
Channel Zero (semi-cheese)
Supernatural (semi-cheese)
American Horror Story (I can only recommend seasons 1-3)
Stranger Things
Twin Peaks
Masters of Horror
The Twilight Zone
Horror Noir
Dark
Mindhunter
There's a lot to choose from. I get if you don't want to look up every title, so I encourage you to leave a comment below on anything you're interested in! I will respond with quick summaries and honest reviews on anything mentioned above. I seriously LOVE talking horror, let's chat! If I missed your favorite, tell me so I can add it. And of course, let me know which you're most excited about watching. Happy spooky viewing!
Thriller and horror are the names of my game. It’s what I want to read all the time. I can’t help be the *spooky* gal that I am! But I think I should step out of my comfort zone every once in a while to give other genres a try.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy other genres. I just don’t dedicate time to reading them because I have generally lost track of time (this is a personal issue but we don’t need to discuss it... it’s fine...). In an attempt to get my life together, I’m making it a goal to try varied genre-reads. Here's what I’d like to try:
Classics
Poetry
Memoir
Mythology
Graphic Novel
Short and approachable. I’ll start with a memoir because I just received this stunning book called The Lie and I cannot wait to get into it.
Can we all stare at this cover forever? It’s one of the prettiest I own, I’m sure of it. But also the title is mysterious and interesting in just two words and I want to know what’s going down in this it-actually-happened-cause-it’s-a-memoir memoir.
Here’s a short summary via Amazon:
Do you know me?, the email began, sparking tremors of fear that turned into a full quake of panic when William Dameron discovered that his selfie had been stolen by strangers. On social networks and dating sites, his image and identity—a forty-year-old straight white male—had been used to hook countless women into believing in lies of love and romance. Was it all an ironic cosmic joke? Almost a decade prior, William himself had been living a lie that had lasted for more than twenty years. His secret? He was a gay man, a fact he hid from his wife and two daughters for almost as long as he had hidden it from himself.
In this emotional and unflinchingly honest memoir of coming out of the closet late in life, owning up to the past, and facing the future, William Dameron confronts steroid addiction, the shame and homophobia of his childhood, the sledgehammer of secrets that slowly tore his marriage apart, and his love for a gay father of three that would once again challenge the boundaries of trust. At the true heart of The Lie is a universal story about turning self-doubt into self-acceptance and about pain, anger, and the long journey of both seeking and giving forgiveness.
Okay, what? Everything about the summary has me screaming. THERE'S SO MUCH GOING ON! Not only is there a mysterious element (which you know I love), but it also covers important topics I admittedly don’t read enough about. The LGBT+ community, substance abuse, familial situations... There’s a lot being addressed here that can resonate with a large audience. I appreciate that. William Dameron’s life sounds like one I wanna know about.
So now that I have a genre and a book, it’s time to read. I'll be sure to keep you updated via Instagram. I figured it'd also be helpful to share tips to help you get started with a genre you’re not comfortable with:
Let me know if these tips work for you. I’d love to know which genres are your favorite and which you’d like to read more of. Any similar to mine? If you’re interested in The Lie and want to read along with me, you can find it on Amazon Publishing along with other great titles they’ve been releasing lately. Note that this post was sponsored by Amazon!
It’s not that I don’t enjoy other genres. I just don’t dedicate time to reading them because I have generally lost track of time (this is a personal issue but we don’t need to discuss it... it’s fine...). In an attempt to get my life together, I’m making it a goal to try varied genre-reads. Here's what I’d like to try:
Classics
Poetry
Memoir
Mythology
Graphic Novel
Short and approachable. I’ll start with a memoir because I just received this stunning book called The Lie and I cannot wait to get into it.
Can we all stare at this cover forever? It’s one of the prettiest I own, I’m sure of it. But also the title is mysterious and interesting in just two words and I want to know what’s going down in this it-actually-happened-cause-it’s-a-memoir memoir.
Here’s a short summary via Amazon:
Do you know me?, the email began, sparking tremors of fear that turned into a full quake of panic when William Dameron discovered that his selfie had been stolen by strangers. On social networks and dating sites, his image and identity—a forty-year-old straight white male—had been used to hook countless women into believing in lies of love and romance. Was it all an ironic cosmic joke? Almost a decade prior, William himself had been living a lie that had lasted for more than twenty years. His secret? He was a gay man, a fact he hid from his wife and two daughters for almost as long as he had hidden it from himself.
In this emotional and unflinchingly honest memoir of coming out of the closet late in life, owning up to the past, and facing the future, William Dameron confronts steroid addiction, the shame and homophobia of his childhood, the sledgehammer of secrets that slowly tore his marriage apart, and his love for a gay father of three that would once again challenge the boundaries of trust. At the true heart of The Lie is a universal story about turning self-doubt into self-acceptance and about pain, anger, and the long journey of both seeking and giving forgiveness.
Okay, what? Everything about the summary has me screaming. THERE'S SO MUCH GOING ON! Not only is there a mysterious element (which you know I love), but it also covers important topics I admittedly don’t read enough about. The LGBT+ community, substance abuse, familial situations... There’s a lot being addressed here that can resonate with a large audience. I appreciate that. William Dameron’s life sounds like one I wanna know about.
So now that I have a genre and a book, it’s time to read. I'll be sure to keep you updated via Instagram. I figured it'd also be helpful to share tips to help you get started with a genre you’re not comfortable with:
- Read books recommended by your favorite authors. Chances are they found inspiration from those books and that’s going to help you ease into different genres.
- Blind book dating - you know, the books covered in gift wrap with “personality points” to entice you? It makes choosing unknown books simpler. There’s also no cover judgement, which can mess with your choice if you’re not used to genre-specific covers.
- Browse free options. Because if it’s going to be a book you’re on the edge about, you definitely don’t want to waste money if it doesn't work out. Check out the library (they have e-books too!).
- Test the waters with short stories/literary magazines in the new genre. If you’re craving more, then you can confidently invest more time with a novel.
- Apply little to no pressure. It’s not your comfort zone, so don't make things harder on yourself. If you don’t like the book, it's fine! Read something else, or go back to your favorites until you feel inspired to try again.
I’ve never been in a book club before. The one I’m currently in started just a few months ago and though I love it, I’ve picked up on struggles that come with reading the same story with a bunch of people at the same time.
Do I need to say said struggle? FINISHING. THE BOOK. ON. TIME. I am the world’s slowest reader and I work at a publishing house, so of course, my work book club members are fast as heck readers! I’m expected to finish 500+ page books in weeks when I generally take a full month to finish a 200-page book. Do you feel my anxiety.
Somehow I’ve kept up. I’ve actually finished books nearing 900 pages in two weeks. You might be thinking: that’s too much, can’t handle that pressure, not into this. Those were my initial thoughts. But I’m here to say that not only is it possible, it’s also a LOT of fun to take on such a challenge. It’s so rewarding.
If you’ve ever struggled with keeping up or if the thought of joining a book club has been intimidating you, this guide should help. Note: If by the end of this, book clubs sound scary and you're a strict solo reader, that’s fine! I don’t blame you! But if you want to have fun with your reading and create a book community among friends, this might be really encouraging!
Also, did you realize that book clubs are a lot like reading for class/courses? It’s pretty much the same thing (minus the papers and grades). So if you’re looking for ways to keep up with class reading, keep scrolling!
*realizes this is basically a guide to read... better* well, we’ll keep going.
Be honest with your book club. Not everyone enjoys YA. Not everyone can read 200 pages a minute. Remember that everyone reads differently and if you’re going to create a group around a book, everyone has to either be comfortable or willing to read the selection. Communication is kinda the whole point of book clubs, so make sure to tell the group if you’re not interested in reading something. You’ll feel better knowing that you could potentially redirect the book selection instead of giving up mid-read when you knew that was going to happen anyway.
If you’re a fast reader, go you! That’s an admirable skill. For others, it can be difficult to keep the reading pace. If you’re a working adult, free time is nearly non-existent. What worked for me: I marked every 100 pages. It felt more do-able when I saw my pace and it's gratifying to reach each mark, like a milestone! What else? Dedicate time frames to pages. What worked for me: I have an hour on my work commute, an hour at lunch, and an hour after work to read - that’s three hours. I dedicated 50 pages for each hour. That’s 150 pages read in a day! As a full-time working adult! Do you understand how incredible that is? And practical. I didn’t make those numbers up.
It helps to jot notes during reading sessions. I do my notes (or reactions, rather) for Instagram - you folks LOVE my Harry Potter reactions. But it’s not just for fun. Notes can encourage you to keep going. It’s like “hyping up” the story. It’s also fantastic for talking points at your next meeting. This all culminates into a positive reading experience that encourages you to keep going and showing up to your book club (but if notes stress you out, skip this).
Absolutely NO ONE is making you do anything you don’t want to do. Take a break if you need to. Drop the book if you don’t like it. Show up unfinished and join the chat anyway. Most importantly, don’t feel like you’re failing if you don’t finish in time or didn’t enjoy the read. Take it less like an assignment and more like a hobby.
I know this somewhat contradicts all my other tips, but it’s just to say that there’s no pressure. If you’re using this for school, though, you might want to use this last tip LIGHTLY. I ain’t taking the blame for your grades.
I hope this list of tips is helpful and/or encouraging! Are you in a book club? Have you struggled with anything above or have tips of your own to share? Are you now going to try joining/starting a club? Let’s chat! Leave a comment below or find me on Instagram.
Do I need to say said struggle? FINISHING. THE BOOK. ON. TIME. I am the world’s slowest reader and I work at a publishing house, so of course, my work book club members are fast as heck readers! I’m expected to finish 500+ page books in weeks when I generally take a full month to finish a 200-page book. Do you feel my anxiety.
Somehow I’ve kept up. I’ve actually finished books nearing 900 pages in two weeks. You might be thinking: that’s too much, can’t handle that pressure, not into this. Those were my initial thoughts. But I’m here to say that not only is it possible, it’s also a LOT of fun to take on such a challenge. It’s so rewarding.
If you’ve ever struggled with keeping up or if the thought of joining a book club has been intimidating you, this guide should help. Note: If by the end of this, book clubs sound scary and you're a strict solo reader, that’s fine! I don’t blame you! But if you want to have fun with your reading and create a book community among friends, this might be really encouraging!
Also, did you realize that book clubs are a lot like reading for class/courses? It’s pretty much the same thing (minus the papers and grades). So if you’re looking for ways to keep up with class reading, keep scrolling!
*realizes this is basically a guide to read... better* well, we’ll keep going.
I know this somewhat contradicts all my other tips, but it’s just to say that there’s no pressure. If you’re using this for school, though, you might want to use this last tip LIGHTLY. I ain’t taking the blame for your grades.
I hope this list of tips is helpful and/or encouraging! Are you in a book club? Have you struggled with anything above or have tips of your own to share? Are you now going to try joining/starting a club? Let’s chat! Leave a comment below or find me on Instagram.
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